Image processor for digital camera

ABSTRACT

A digital camera with an image sensor for capturing an image, an image processor for processing image data from the image sensor and transmitting processed data to a printhead, and, an effects interface for user input of one or more predetermined image manipulations; such that, the processed data transmitted to the printhead incorporate the selected image manipulations. This allows the user to print manipulated images directly from the camera without first downloading to a desktop system.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to digital cameras and in particular, the onboard processing of image data captured by the camera.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Recently, digital cameras have become increasingly popular. These cameras normally operate by means of imaging a desired image utilising a charge coupled device (CCD) array and storing the imaged scene on an electronic storage medium for later down loading onto a computer system for subsequent manipulation and printing out. Normally, when utilising a computer system to print out an image, sophisticated software may available to manipulate the image in accordance with requirements.

[0003] Unfortunately such systems require significant post processing of a captured image and normally present the image in an orientation to which it was taken, relying on the post processing process to perform any necessary or required modifications of the captured image. Also, much of the environmental information available when the picture was taken is lost. Furthermore, the type or size of the media substrate and the types of ink used to print the image can also affect the image quality. Accounting for these factors during post processing of the captured image data can be complex and time consuming.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Accordingly, the present invention provides a digital camera comprising:

[0005] an image sensor for capturing an image;

[0006] an image processor for processing image data from the image sensor and transmitting processed data to a printhead; and,

[0007] an effects interface for user input of one or more predetermined image manipulations; such that,

[0008] the processed data transmitted to the printhead incorporate the selected image manipulations.

[0009] The present invention allows the user to perform many common image manipulations when the image is captured by inputting required effect via the interface. This permits the user to print the images in the camera without first downloading to a desktop system.

[0010] Preferably, data relating to the image manipulations are stored on separate portable memory devices for connection to the effects interface.

[0011] In a further preferred form, the image manipulations comprise image rotations, borders, text or clip art.

[0012] In yet another preferred form, further adapted for use with a media cartridge comprising a supply of media substrate on which images can be printed, and an information store with information relating to the media substrate, wherein the camera further comprises a cartridge interface for accessing the information such that the image processor can utilise the information relating to the media substrate.

[0013] The camera accesses information about the media substrate so that the image processor can utilise the information to enhance the quality of the printed image.

[0014] Preferably, the media substrate has postcard formatting printed on its reverse surface so that the camera can produce personalised postcards, and the information store has the dimensions of the postcard formatting to allow the image processor to align printed images with the postcard formatting.

[0015] In a further preferred form the cartridge further comprises an ink supply for the printhead and the information store is an authentication chip that allows the image processor to confirm that the media substrate and the ink supply is suitable for use with the camera.

[0016] According to a related aspect, there is provided a digital camera for sensing and storing an image, the camera comprising:

[0017] an image sensor with a charge coupled device (CCD) for capturing image data relating to a sensed image, and an auto exposure setting for adjusting the image data captured by the CCD in response to the lighting conditions at image capture; and,

[0018] an image processor for processing image data from the CCD and storing the processed data; wherein,

[0019] the image processor is adapted to use information from the auto exposure setting relating to the lighting conditions at image capture when processing the image data from the CCD.

[0020] Utilising the auto exposure setting to determine an advantageous re-mapping of colours within the image allows the processor to produce an amended image having colours within an image transformed to account of the auto exposure setting. The processing can comprise re-mapping image colours so they appear deeper and richer when the exposure setting indicates low light conditions and re-mapping image colours to be brighter and more saturated when the auto exposure setting indicates bright light conditions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred forms of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings which:

[0022]FIG. 1 illustrates the method of operation of the preferred embodiment;

[0023]FIG. 2 illustrates a form of print roll ready for purchase by a consumer;

[0024]FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view, partly in section, of an alternative form of a print roll;

[0025]FIG. 4 is a left side exploded perspective view of the print roll of FIG. 3; and, FIG. 5 is a right side exploded perspective view of a single print roll.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED AND OTHER EMBODIMENTS

[0026] The preferred embodiment is preferable implemented through suitable programming of a hand held camera device such as that described in the present applicant's application entitled “A Digital Image Printing Camera with Image Processing Capability”, the content of which is hereby specifically incorporated by cross reference and the details of which, and other related applications are set out in the tables below.

[0027] The aforementioned patent specification discloses a camera system, hereinafter known as an “Artcam” type camera, wherein sensed images can be directly printed out by an Artcam portable camera unit. Further, the aforementioned specification discloses means and methods for performing various manipulations on images captured by the camera sensing device leading to the production of various effects in any output image. The manipulations are disclosed to be highly flexible in nature and can be implemented through the insertion into the Artcam of cards having encoded thereon various instructions for the manipulation of images, the cards hereinafter being known as Artcards. The Artcam further has significant onboard processing power by an Artcam Central Processor unit (ACP) which is interconnected to a memory device for the storage of important data and images.

[0028] In the preferred embodiment, the Artcam has an auto exposure sensor for determining the light level associated with the captured image. This auto exposure sensor is utilised to process the image in accordance with the set light value so as to enhance portions of the image.

[0029] Preferably, the area image sensor includes a means for determining the light conditions when capturing an image. The area image sensor adjusts the dynamic range of values captured by the CCD in accordance with the detected level sensor. The captured image is transferred to the Artcam central processor and stored in the memory store. Intensity information, as determined by the area image sensor, is also forwarded to the ACP. This information is utilised by the Artcam central processor to manipulate the stored image to enhance certain effects.

[0030] Turning now to FIG. 1, the auto exposure setting information 1 is utilised in conjunction with the stored image 2 to process the image by utilising the ACP. The processed image is returned to the memory store for later printing out 4 on the output printer.

[0031] A number of processing steps can be undertaken in accordance with the determined light conditions. Where the auto exposure setting 1 indicates that the image was taken in a low light condition, the image pixel colours are selectively re-mapped so as to make the image colours stronger, deeper and richer.

[0032] Where the auto exposure information indicates that highlight conditions were present when the image was taken, the image colours can be processed to make them brighter and more saturated. The re-colouring of the image can be undertaken by conversion of the image to a hue-saturation-value (HSV) format and an alteration of pixel values in accordance with requirements. The pixel values can then be output converted to the required output colour format of printing.

[0033] Of course, many different re-colouring techniques may be utilised. Preferably, the techniques are clearly illustrated on the pre-requisite Artcard inserted into the reader. Alternatively, the image processing algorithms can be automatically applied and hard-wired into the camera for utilization in certain conditions.

[0034] Alternatively, the Artcard inserted could have a number of manipulations applied to the image which are specific to the auto-exposure setting. For example, clip arts containing candles etc could be inserted in a dark image and large suns inserted in bright images.

[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 2 to 5, the Artcam prints the images onto media stored in a replaceable print roll 5. In some preferred embodiments, the operation of the camera device is such that when a series of images is printed on a first surface of the print roll, the corresponding backing surface has a ready made postcard which can be immediately dispatched at the nearest post office box within the jurisdiction. In this way, personalized postcards can be created.

[0036] It would be evident that when utilising the postcard system as illustrated FIG. 2 only predetermined image sizes are possible as the synchronization between the backing postcard portion and the front image must be maintained. This can be achieved by utilising the memory portions of the authentication chip stored within the print roll 5 to store details of the length of each postcard backing format sheet. This can be achieved by either having each postcard the same size or by storing each size within the print rolls on-board print chip memory.

[0037] In an alternative embodiment, there is provided a modified form of print roll which can be constructed mostly from injection moulded plastic pieces suitably snapped fitted together. The modified form of print roll has a high ink storage capacity in addition to a somewhat simplified construction. The print media onto which the image is to be printed is wrapped around a plastic sleeve former for simplified construction. The ink media reservoir has a series of air vents which are constructed so as to minimise the opportunities for the ink flow out of the air vents. Further, a rubber seal is provided for the ink outlet holes with the rubber seal being pierced on insertion of the print roll into a camera system. Further, the print roll includes a print media ejection slot and the ejection slot includes a surrounding moulded surface which provides and assists in the accurate positioning of the print media ejection slot relative to the printhead within the printing or camera system.

[0038] Turning to FIG. 3 there is illustrated a single point roll unit 5 in an assembled form with a partial cutaway showing internal portions of the print roll. FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 illustrate left and right side exploded perspective views respectively. The print roll 5 is constructed around the internal core portion 6 which contains an internal ink supply. Outside of the core portion 6 is provided a former 7 around which is wrapped a paper or film supply 8. Around the paper supply it is constructed two cover pieces 9, 10 which snap together around the print roll so as to form a covering unit as illustrated in FIG. 3. The bottom cover piece 10 includes a slot 11 through which the output of the print media 12 for interconnection with the camera system.

[0039] Two pinch rollers 13, 14 are provided to pinch the paper against a drive pinch roller 15 so they together provide for a decurling of the paper around the roller 15. The decurling acts to negate the strong curl that may be imparted to the paper from being stored in the form of print roll for an extended period of time. The rollers 13, 14 are provided to form a snap fit with end portions of the cover base portion 10 and the roller 15 which includes a cogged end 16 for driving, snap fits into the upper cover piece 9 so as to pinch the paper 12 firmly between.

[0040] The cover pieces 9, 10 includes an end protuberance or lip 17. The end lip 17 is provided for accurately alignment of the exit hole of the paper with a corresponding printing heat platen structure within the camera system. In this way, accurate alignment or positioning of the exiting paper relative to an adjacent printhead is provided for full guidance of the paper to the printhead.

[0041] It would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the present invention as shown in the specific embodiment without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiment is, therefore, to be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive.

[0042] The present invention is best utilized in the Artcam device, the details of which are set out in the following paragraphs.

Ink Jet Technologies

[0043] The embodiments of the invention use an ink jet printer type device. Of course many different devices could be used. However presently popular ink jet printing technologies are unlikely to be suitable.

[0044] The most significant problem with thermal inkjet is power consumption. This is approximately 100 times that required for high speed, and stems from the energy-inefficient means of drop ejection. This involves the rapid boiling of water to produce a vapor bubble which expels the ink. Water has a very high heat capacity, and must be superheated in thermal inkjet applications. This leads to an efficiency of around 0.02%, from electricity input to drop momentum (and increased surface area) out.

[0045] The most significant problem with piezoelectric inkjet is size and cost. Piezoelectric crystals have a very small deflection at reasonable drive voltages, and therefore require a large area for each nozzle. Also, each piezoelectric actuator must be connected to its drive circuit on a separate substrate. This is not a significant problem at the current limit of around 300 nozzles per print head, but is a major impediment to the fabrication of pagewide print heads with 19,200 nozzles.

[0046] Ideally, the inkjet technologies used meet the stringent requirements of in-camera digital color printing and other high quality, high speed, low cost printing applications. To meet the requirements of digital photography, new inkjet technologies have been created. The target features include:

[0047] low power (less than 10 Watts)

[0048] high resolution capability (1,600 dpi or more)

[0049] photographic quality output

[0050] low manufacturing cost

[0051] small size (pagewidth times minimum cross section)

[0052] high speed (<2 seconds per page).

[0053] All of these features can be met or exceeded by the inkjet systems described below with differing levels of difficulty. 45 different inkjet technologies have been developed by the Assignee to give a wide range of choices for high volume manufacture. These technologies form part of separate applications assigned to the present Assignee as set out in the table below.

[0054] The inkjet designs shown here are suitable for a wide range of digital printing systems, from battery powered one-time use digital cameras, through to desktop and network printers, and through to commercial printing systems For ease of manufacture using standard process equipment, the print head is designed to be a monolithic 0.5 micron CMOS chip with MEMS post processing. For color photographic applications, the print head is 100 mm long, with a width which depends upon the inkjet type. The smallest print head designed is IJ38, which is 0.35 mm wide, giving a chip area of 35 square mm. The print heads each contain 19,200 nozzles plus data and control circuitry.

[0055] Ink is supplied to the back of the print head by injection molded plastic ink channels. The molding requires 50 micron features, which can be created using a lithographically micromachined insert in a standard injection molding tool. Ink flows through holes etched through the wafer to the nozzle chambers fabricated on the front surface of the wafer. The print head is connected to the camera circuitry by tape automated bonding.

CROSS-REFERENCED APPLICATIONS

[0056] The following table is a guide to cross-referenced patent applications filed concurrently herewith and discussed hereinafter with the reference being utilized in subsequent tables when referring to a particular case: Docket Refer- No. ence Title IJ01US IJ01 Radiant Plunger Ink Jet Printer IJ02US IJ02 Electrostatic Ink Jet Printer IJ03US IJ03 Planar Thermoelastic Bend Actuator Ink Jet IJ04US IJ04 Stacked Electrostatic Ink Jet Printer IJ05US IJ05 Reverse Spring Lever Ink Jet Printer IJ06US IJ06 Paddle Type Ink Jet Printer IJ07US IJ07 Permanent Magnet Electromagnetic Ink Jet Printer IJ08US IJ08 Planar Swing Grill Electromagnetic Ink Jet Printer IJ09US IJ09 Pump Action Refill Ink Jet Printer IJ10US IJ10 Pulsed Magnetic Field Ink Jet Printer IJ11US IJ11 Two Plate Reverse Firing Electromagnetic Ink Jet Printer IJ12US IJ12 Linear Stepper Actuator Ink Jet Printer IJ13US IJ13 Gear Driven Shutter Ink Jet Printer IJ14US IJ14 Tapered Magnetic Pole Electromagnetic Ink Jet Printer IJ15US IJ15 Linear Spring Electromagnetic Grill Ink Jet Printer IJ16US IJ16 Lorenz Diaphragm Electromagnetic Ink Jet Printer IJ17US IJ17 PTFE Surface Shooting Shuttered Oscillating Pressure Ink Jet Printer IJ18US IJ18 Buckle Grip Oscillating Pressure Ink Jet Printer IJ19US IJ19 Shutter Based Ink Jet Printer IJ20US IJ20 Curling Calyx Thermoelastic Ink Jet Printer IJ21US IJ21 Thermal Actuated Ink Jet Printer IJ22US IJ22 Iris Motion Ink Jet Printer IJ23US IJ23 Direct Firing Thermal Bend Actuator Ink Jet Printer IJ24US IJ24 Conductive PTFE Ben Activator Vented Ink Jet Printer IJ25US IJ25 Magnetostrictive Ink Jet Printer IJ26US IJ26 Shape Memory Alloy Ink Jet Printer IJ27US IJ27 Buckle Plate Ink Jet Printer IJ28US IJ28 Thermal Elastic Rotary Impeller Ink Jet Printer IJ29US IJ29 Thermoelastic Bend Actuator Ink Jet Printer IJ30US IJ30 Thermoelastic Bend Actuator Using PTFE and Corrugated Copper Ink Jet Printer IJ31US IJ31 Bend Actuator Direct Ink Supply Ink Jet Printer IJ32US IJ32 A High Young's Modulus Thermoelastic Ink Jet Printer IJ33US IJ33 Thermally actuated slotted chamber wall ink jet printer IJ34US IJ34 Ink Jet Printer having a thermal actuator comprising an external coiled spring IJ35US IJ35 Trough Container Ink Jet Printer IJ36US IJ36 Dual Chamber Single Vertical Actuator Ink Jet IJ37US IJ37 Dual Nozzle Single Horizontal Fulcrum Actuator Ink Jet IJ38US IJ38 Dual Nozzle Single Horizontal Actuator Ink Jet IJ39US IJ39 A single bend actuator cupped paddle ink jet printing device IJ40US IJ40 A thermally actuated ink jet printer having a series of thermal actuator units IJ41US IJ41 A thermally actuated ink jet printer including a tapered heater element IJ42US IJ42 Radial Back-Curling Thermoelastic Ink Jet IJ43US IJ43 Inverted Radial Back-Curling Thermoelastic Ink Jet IJ44US IJ44 Surface bend actuator vented ink supply ink jet printer IJ45US IJ45 Coil Acutuated Magnetic Plate Ink Jet Printer

Tables of Drop-on-Demand Inkjets

[0057] Eleven important characteristics of the fundamental operation of individual inkjet nozzles have been identified. These characteristics are largely orthogonal, and so can be elucidated as an eleven dimensional matrix. Most of the eleven axes of this matrix include entries developed by the present assignee.

[0058] The following tables form the axes of an eleven dimensional table of inkjet types.

[0059] Actuator mechanism (18 types)

[0060] Basic operation mode (7 types)

[0061] Auxiliary mechanism (8 types)

[0062] Actuator amplification or modification method (17 types)

[0063] Actuator motion (19 types)

[0064] Nozzle refill method (4 types)

[0065] Method of restricting back-flow through inlet (10 types)

[0066] Nozzle clearing method (9 types)

[0067] Nozzle plate construction (9 types)

[0068] Drop ejection direction (5 types)

[0069] Ink type (7 types)

[0070] The complete eleven dimensional table represented by these axes contains 36.9 billion possible configurations of inkjet nozzle. While not all of the possible combinations result in a viable inkjet technology, many million configurations are viable. It is clearly impractical to elucidate all of the possible configurations. Instead, certain inkjet types have been investigated in detail. These are designated IJ01 to IJ45 above.

[0071] Other inkjet configurations can readily be derived from these 45 examples by substituting alternative configurations along one or more of the 11 axes. Most of the IJ01 to IJ45 examples can be made into inkjet print heads with characteristics superior to any currently available inkjet technology.

[0072] Where there are prior art examples known to the inventor, one or more of these examples are listed in the examples column of the tables below. The IJ01 to IJ45 series are also listed in the examples column. In some cases, a printer may be listed more than once in a table, where it shares characteristics with more than one entry.

[0073] Suitable applications include: Home printers, Office network printers, Short run digital printers, Commercial print systems, Fabric printers, Pocket printers, Internet WWW printers, Video printers, Medical imaging, Wide format printers, Notebook PC printers, Fax machines, Industrial printing systems, Photocopiers, Photographic minilabs etc.

[0074] The information associated with the aforementioned 11 dimensional matrix are set out in the following tables. ACTUATOR MECHANISM (APPLIED ONLY TO SELECTED INK DROPS) Actuator Mechanism Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Thermal An electrothermal heater Large force generated High power Canon Bubblejet bubble heats the ink to above Simple construction Ink carrier limited to water 1979 Endo et al boiling point, transferring No moving parts Low efficiency GB patent significant heat to the Fast operation High temperatures required 2,007,162 aqueous ink. A bubble Small chip area High mechanical stress Xerox heater-in- nucleates and quickly required for Unusual materials required pit 1990 forms, expelling the ink. actuator Large drive transistors Hawkins et al The efficiency of the Cavitation causes actuator U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,181 process is low, with failure Hewlett-Packard typically less than 0.05% Kogation reduces bubble TIJ 1982 Vaught of the electrical energy formation et al U.S. Pat. No. being transformed into Large print heads are 4,490,728 kinetic energy of the drop. difficult to fabricate Piezoelectric A piezoelectric crystal Low power consumption Very large area required for Kyser et al U.S. Pat. No. such as lead lanthanum Many ink types can be actuator 3,946,398 zirconate (PZT) is used Difficult to integrate with Zoltan U.S. Pat. No. electrically activated, and Fast operation electronics 3,683,212 either expands, shears, or High efficiency High voltage drive 1973 Stemme U.S. Pat. bends to apply pressure to transistors required No. 3,747,120 the ink, ejecting drops. Full pagewidth print heads Epson Stylus Tektronix impractical due to actuator IJ04 size Requires electrical poling in high field strengths during manufacture Electrostrictive An electric field is used Low power consumption Low maximum strain (approx. Seiko Epson, to activate Many ink types can be 0.01%) Usui et all JP electrostriction in relaxor used Large area required for 253401/96 materials such as lead Low thermal expansion actuator due to low strain IJ04 lanthanum zirconate Electric field Response speed is marginal (˜10 μs) titanate (PLZT) or lead strength required High voltage drive magnesium niobate (PMN). (approx. 3.5 V/μm) transistors required can be generated Full pagewidth print heads without difficulty impractical due to actuator Does not require size electrical poling Ferroelectric An electric field is used Low power consumption Difficult to integrate with IJ04 to induce a phase Many ink types can be electronics transition between the used Unusual materials such as antiferroelectric (AFE) and Fast operation (<1 μs) PLZSnT are required ferroelectric (FE) phase. Relatively high Actuators require a large Perovskite materials such longitudinal strain area as tin modified lead High efficiency lanthanum zirconate Electric field titanate (PLZSnT) exhibit strength of around 3 V/μm large strains of up to 1% can be readily associated with the AFE to provided FE phase transition. Electrostatic Conductive plates are Low power consumption Difficult to operate IJ02, IJ04 plates separated by a compressible Many ink types can be electrostatic devices in an or fluid dielectric used aqueous environment (usually air). Upon Fast operation The electrostatic actuator application of a voltage, will normally need to be the plates attract each separated from the ink other and displace ink, Very large area required to causing drop ejection. The achieve high forces conductive plates may be in High voltage drive a comb or honeycomb transistors may be required structure, or stacked to Full pagewidth print heads increase the surface area are not competitive due to and therefore the force. actuator size Electrostatic A strong electric field is Low current High voltage required 1989 Saito et pull on ink applied to the ink, consumption May be damaged by sparks due al, U.S. Pat. No. whereupon electrostatic Low temperature to air breakdown 4,799,068 attraction accelerates the Required field strength 1989 Miura et ink towards the print increases as the drop size al, U.S. Pat. No. medium. decreases 4,810,954 High voltage drive Tone-jet transistors required Electrostatic field attracts dust Permanent An electromagnet directly Low power consumption Complex fabrication IJ07, IJ10 magnet attracts a permanent Many ink types can be Permanent magnetic material electromagnetic magnet, displacing ink and used such as Neodymium Iron Boron causing drop ejection. Rare Fast operation (NdFeB) required. earth magnets with a field High efficiency High local currents required strength around 1 Tesla can Easy extension from Copper metalization should be be used. Examples are: single nozzles to used for long Samarium Cobalt (SaCo) and pagewidth print electromigration lifetime magnetic materials in the heads and low resistivity neodymium iron boron family Pigmented inks are usually (NdFeB, NdDyFeBNb, NdDyFeB, infeasible etc) Operating temperature limited to the Curie temperature (around 540 K) Soft magnetic A solenoid induced a Low power consumption Complex fabrication IJ01, 1J05, core electromagnetic magnetic field in a soft Many ink types can be Materials not usually present IJ08, IJ10 magnetic core or yoke used in a CMOS fab such as NiFe, IJ12, IJ14, fabricated from a ferrous Fast operation CoNiFe, or CoFe are required IJ15, IJ17 material such as High efficiency High local currents required electroplated iron alloys Easy extension from Copper metalization should be such as CoNiFe [1], CoFe, single nozzles to used for long or NiFe alloys. Typically, pagewidth print electromigration lifetime the soft magnetic material heads and low resistivity is in two parts, which are Electroplating is required normally held apart by a High saturation flux density spring. When the solenoid is required (2.0-2.1 T is is actuated, the two parts achievable with CoNiFe [1]) attract, displacing the ink. Magnetic The Lorenz force acting on Low power consumption Force acts as a twisting IJ06, IJ11, Lorenz force a current carrying wire in Many ink types can be motion IJ13, IJ16 a magnetic field is used Typically, only a quarter of utilized. Fast operation the solenoid length provides This allows the magnetic High efficiency force in a useful direction field to be supplied Easy extension from High local currents required externally to the print single nozzles to Copper metalization should be head, for example with rare pagewidth print used for long earth permanent magnets. heads electromigration lifetime Only the current carrying and low resistivity wire need be fabricated on Pigmented inks are usually the print-head, simplifying infeasible materials requirements. Magnetostriction The actuator uses the giant Many ink types can be Force acts as a twisting Fischenbeck, U.S. Pat. magnetostrictive effect of used motion No. 4,032,929 materials such as Terfenol- Fast operation Unusual materials such as IJ25 D (an alloy of terbium, Easy extension from Terfenol-D are required dysprosium and iron single nozzles to High local currents required developed at the Naval pagewidth print Copper metalization should be Ordnance Laboratory, hence heads used for long Ter-Fe-NOL). For best High force is electromigration lifetime efficiency, the actuator available and low resistivity should be pre-stressed to Pre-stressing may be required approx. 8 MPa. Surface Ink under positive pressure Low power consumption Requires supplementary force Silverbrook, EP tension is held in a nozzle by Simple construction to effect drop separation 0771 658 A2 and reduction surface tension. The No unusual materials Requires special ink related patent surface tension of the ink required in surfactants applications is reduced below the bubble fabrication Speed may be limited by threshold, causing the ink High efficiency surfactant properties to egress from the nozzle. Easy extension from single nozzles to pagewidth print heads Viscosity The ink viscosity is Simple construction Requires supplementary force Silverbrook, EP reduction locally reduced to select No unusual materials to effect drop separation 0771 658 A2 and which drops are to be required in Requires special ink related patent ejected. A viscosity fabrication viscosity properties applications reduction can be achieved Easy extension from High speed is difficult to electrothermally with most single nozzles to achieve inks, but special inks can pagewidth print Requires oscillating ink be engineered for a 100:1 heads pressure viscosity reduction. A high temperature difference (typically 80 degrees) is required Acoustic An acoustic wave is Can operate without a Complex drive circuitry 1993 Hadimioglu generated and focussed upon nozzle plate Complex fabrication et al, EUP the drop ejection region. Low efficiency 550,192 Poor control of drop position 1993 Elrod et Poor control of drop volume al, EUP 572,220 Thermoelastic An actuator which relies Low power consumption Efficient aqueous operation IJ03, IJ09, bend actuator upon differential thermal Many ink types can be requires a thermal insulator IJ17, IJ18 expansion upon Joule used on the hot side IJ19, IJ20, heating is used. Simple planar Corrosion prevention can be IJ21, IJ22 fabrication difficult IJ23, IJ24, Small chip area Pigmented inks may be IJ27, IJ28 required for each infeasible, as pigment IJ29, IJ30, actuator particles may jam the bend IJ31, IJ32 Fast operation actuator IJ33, IJ34, High efficiency IJ35, IJ36 CMOS compatible IJ37, IJ38, voltages and IJ39, IJ40 currents IJ41 Standard MEMS processes can be used Easy extension from single nozzles to pagewidth print heads High CTE A material with a very high High force can be Requires special material IJ09, IJ17, thermoelastic coefficient of thermal generated (e.g. PTFE) IJ18, IJ20 actuator expansion (CTE) such as PTFE is a candidate Requires a PTFE deposition IJ21, IJ22, polytetrafluoroethylene for low dielectric process, which is not yet IJ23, IJ24 (PTFE) is used. As high CTE constant insulation standard in ULSI fabs IJ27, IJ28, materials are usually non- in ULSI PTFE deposition cannot be IJ29, IJ30 conductive, a heater Very low power followed with high IJ31, IJ42, fabricated from a consumption temperature (above 350° C.) IJ43, IJ44 conductive material is Many ink types can be processing incorporated. A 50 μm long used Pigmented inks may be PTFE bend actuator with Simple planar infeasible, as pigment polysilicon heater and 15 mW fabrication particles may jam the bend power input can provide Small chip area actuator 180 μN force and 10 μm required for each deflection. Actuator actuator motions include: Fast operation 1) Bend High efficiency 2) Push CMOS compatible 3) Buckle voltages and 4) Rotate currents Easy extension from single nozzles to pagewidth print heads Conductive A polymer with a high High force can be Requires special materials IJ24 polymer coefficient of thermal generated development (High CTE thermoelastic expansion (such as PTFE) is Very low power conductive polymer) actuator doped with conducting consumption Requires a PTFE deposition substances to increase its Many ink types can be process, which is not yet conductivity to about 3 used standard in ULSI fabs orders of magnitude below Simple planar PTFE deposition cannot be that of copper. The fabrication followed with high conducting polymer expands Small chip area temperature (above 350° C.) when resistively heated. required for each processing Examples of conducting actuator Evaporation and CVD dopants include: Fast operation deposition techniques cannot 1) Carbon nanotubes High efficiency be used 2) Metal fibers CMOS compatible Pigmented inks may be 3) Conductive polymers such as voltages and infeasible, as pigment doped polythiophene currents particles may jam the bend 4) Carbon granules Easy extension from actuator single nozzles to pagewidth print heads Shape memory A shape memory alloy such High force is Fatigue limits maximum number IJ26 alloy as TiNi (also known as available (stresses of cycles Nitinol—Nickel Titanium of hundreds of MPa) Low strain (1%) is required alloy developed at the Large strain is to extend fatigue resistance Naval Ordnance Laboratory) available (more than Cycle rate limited by heat is thermally switched 3%) removal between its weak High corrosion Requires unusual materials martensitic state and its resistance (TiNi) high stiffness austenic Simple construction The latent heat of state. The shape of the Easy extension from transformation must be actuator in its martensitic single nozzles to provided state is deformed relative pagewidth print High current operation to the austenic shape. The heads Requires pre-stressing to shape change causes Low voltage operation distort the martensitic ejection of a drop. state Linear Linear magnetic actuators Linear Magnetic Requires unusual IJ12 Magnetic include the Linear actuators can be semiconductor materials such Actuator Induction Actuator (LIA), constructed with as soft magnetic alloys Linear Permanent Magnet high thrust, long (e.g. CoNiFe [1]) Synchronous Actuator travel, and high Some varieties also require (LPMSA), Linear Reluctance efficiency using permanent magnetic materials Synchronous Actuator planar semiconductor such as Neodymium iron boron (LRSA), Linear Switched fabrication (NdFeB) Reluctance Actuator (LSRA), techniques Requires complex multi-phase and the Linear Stepper Long actuator travel drive circuitry Actuator (LSA). is available High current operation Medium force is available Low voltage operation

[0075] BASIC OPERATION MODE Operational mode Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Actuator This is the simplest mode Simple operation Drop repetition rate is Thermal inkjet directly of operation: the actuator No external fields usually limited to less than Piezoelectric pushes ink directly supplies required 10 KHz. However, this is not inkjet sufficient kinetic energy Satellite drops can fundamental to the method, IJ01, IJ02, to expel the drop. The drop be avoided if drop but is related to the refill IJ03, IJ04 must have a sufficient velocity is less method normally used IJ05, IJ06, velocity to overcome the than 4 m/s All of the drop kinetic IJ07, IJ09 surface tension. Can be efficient, energy must be provided by IJ11, IJ12, depending upon the the actuator IJ14, IJ16 actuator used Satellite drops usually form IJ20, IJ22, if drop velocity is greater IJ23, IJ24 than 4.5 m/s IJ25, IJ26, IJ27, IJ28 IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, IJ32 IJ33, IJ34, IJ35, IJ36 IJ37, IJ38, IJ39, IJ40 IJ41, IJ42, IJ43, IJ44 Proximity The drops to be printed are Very simple print Requires close proximity Silverbrook, EP selected by some manner head fabrication can between the print head and 0771 658 A2 and (e.g. thermally induced be used the print media or transfer related patent surface tension reduction The drop selection roller applications of pressurized ink). means does not need May require two print heads Selected drops are to provide the printing alternate rows of separated from the ink in energy required to the image the nozzle by contact with separate the drop Monolithic color print heads the print medium or a from the nozzle are difficult transfer roller. Electrostatic The drops to be printed are Very simple print Requires very high Silverbrook, EP pull on ink selected by some manner head fabrication can electrostatic field 0771 658 A2 and (e.g. thermally induced be used Electrostatic field for small related patent surface tension reduction The drop selection nozzle sizes is above air applications of pressurized ink). means does not need breakdown Tone-Jet Selected drops are to provide the Electrostatic field may separated from the ink in energy required to attract dust the nozzle by a strong separate the drop electric field. from the nozzle Magnetic pull The drops to be printed are Very simple print Requires magnetic ink Silverbrook, EP on ink selected by some manner head fabrication can Ink colors other than black 0771 658 A2 and (e.g. thermally induced be used are difficult related patent surface tension reduction The drop selection Requires very high magnetic applications of pressurized ink). means does not need fields Selected drops are to provide the separated from the ink in energy required to the nozzle by a strong separate the drop magnetic field acting on from the nozzle the magnetic ink. Shutter The actuator moves a High speed (>50 KHz) Moving parts are required IJ13, IJ17, IJ21 shutter to block ink flow operation can be Requires ink pressure to the nozzle. The ink achieved due to modulator pressure is pulsed at a reduced refill time Friction and wear must be multiple of the drop Drop timing can be considered ejection frequency. very accurate Stiction is possible The actuator energy can be very low Shuttered The actuator moves a Actuators with small Moving parts are required IJ08, IJ15, grill shutter to block ink flow travel can be used Requires ink pressure IJ18, IJ19 through a grill to the Actuators with small modulator nozzle. The shutter force can be used Friction and wear must be movement need only be equal High speed (>50 KHz) considered to the width of the grill operation can be Stiction is possible holes. achieved Pulsed A pulsed magnetic field Extremely low energy Requires an external pulsed IJ10 magnetic pull attracts an ‘ink pusher’ at operation is magnetic field on ink pusher the drop ejection possible Requires special materials frequency. An actuator No heat dissipation for both the actuator and controls a catch, which problems the ink pusher prevents the ink pusher Complex construction from moving when a drop is not to be ejected.

[0076] AUXILIARY MECHANISM (APPLIED TO ALL NOZZLES) Auxiliary Mechanism Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples None The actuator directly fires Simplicity of Drop ejection energy must be Most inkjets, the ink drop, and there is construction supplied by individual including no external field or other Simplicity of nozzle actuator piezoelectric mechanism required. operation and thermal Small physical size bubble. IJ01-IJ07, IJ09, IJ11 IJ12, IJ14, IJ20, IJ22 IJ23-IJ45 Oscillating The ink pressure Oscillating ink Requires external ink Silverbrook, EP ink pressure oscillates, providing much pressure can provide pressure oscillator 0771 658 A2 and (including of the drop ejection a refill pulse, Ink pressure phase and related patent acoustic energy. The actuator allowing higher amplitude must be carefully applications stimulation) selects which drops are to operating speed controlled IJ08, IJ13, be fired by selectively The actuators may Acoustic reflections in the IJ15, IJ17 blocking or enabling operate with much ink chamber must be designed IJ18, IJ19, IJ21 nozzles. The ink pressure lower energy for oscillation may be achieved Acoustic lenses can by vibrating the print be used to focus the head, or preferably by an sound on the nozzles actuator in the ink supply. Media The print head is placed in Low power Precision assembly required Silverbrook, EP proximity close proximity to the High accuracy Paper fibers may cause 0771 658 A2 and print medium. Selected Simple print head problems related patent drops protrude from the construction Cannot print on rough applications print head further than substrates unselected drops, and contact the print medium. The drop soaks into the medium fast enough to cause drop separation. Transfer Drops are printed to a High accuracy Bulky Silverbrook, EP roller transfer roller instead of Wide range of print Expensive 0771 658 A2 and straight to the print substrates can be Complex construction related patent medium. A transfer roller used applications can also be used for Ink can be dried on Tektronix hot proximity drop separation. the transfer roller melt piezoelectric inkjet Any of the IJ series Electrostatic An electric field is used Low power Field strength required for Silverbrook, EP to accelerate selected Simple print head separation of small drops is 0771 658 A2 and drops towards the print construction near or above air breakdown related patent medium. applications Tone-Jet Direct A magnetic field is used to Low power Requires magnetic ink Silverbrook, EP magnetic accelerate selected drops Simple print head Requires strong magnetic 0771 658 A2 and field of magnetic ink towards the construction field related patent print medium. applications Cross The print head is placed in Does not require Requires external magnet IJ06, IJ16 magnetic a constant magnetic field. magnetic materials Current densities may be field The Lorenz force in a to be integrated in high, resulting in current carrying wire is the print head electromigration problems used to move the actuator. manufacturing process Pulsed A pulsed magnetic field is Very low power Complex print head IJ10 magnetic used to cyclically attract operation is construction field a paddle, which pushes on possible Magnetic materials required the ink. A small actuator Small print head size in print head moves a catch, which selectively prevents the paddle from moving.

[0077] ACTUATOR AMPLIFICATION OR MODIFICATION METHOD Actuator amplification Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples None No actuator mechanical Operational Many actuator mechanisms have Thermal Bubble amplification is used. The simplicity insufficient travel, or Inkjet actuator directly drives insufficient force, to IJ01, IJ02, the drop ejection process. efficiently drive the drop IJ06, IJ07 ejection process IJ16, IJ25, IJ26 Differential An actuator material Provides greater High stresses are involved Piezoelectric expansion expands more on one side travel in a reduced Care must be taken that the IJ03, IJ09, bend actuator than on the other. The print heat area materials do not delaminate IJ17-IJ24 expansion may be thermal, The bend actuator Residual bend resulting from IJ27, IJ29-IJ39, piezoelectric, converts a high high temperature or high IJ42, magnetostrictive, or other force low travel stress during formation IJ43, IJ44 mechanism. actuator mechanism to high travel, lower force mechanism. Transient A trilayer bend actuator Very good temperature High stresses are involved IJ40, IJ41 bend actuator where the two outside stability Care must be taken that the layers are identical. This High speed, as a new materials do not delaminate cancels bend due to ambient drop can be fired temperature and residual before heat stress. The actuator only dissipates responds to transient Cancels residual heating of one side or the stress of formation other. Actuator A series of thin actuators Increased travel Increased fabrication Some stack are stacked. This can be Reduced drive voltage complexity piezoelectric appropriate where actuators Increased possibility of ink jets require high electric field short circuits due to IJ04 strength, such as pinholes electrostatic and piezoelectric actuators. Multiple Multiple smaller actuators Increases the force Actuator forces may not add IJ12, IJ13, actuators are used simultaneously to available from an linearly, reducing IJ18, IJ20 move the ink. Each actuator actuator efficiency IJ22, IJ28 need provide only a portion Multiple actuators IJ42, IJ43 of the force required. can be positioned to control ink flow accurately Linear Spring A linear spring is used to Matches low travel Requires print head area for IJ15 transform a motion with actuator with higher the spring small travel and high force travel requirements into a longer travel, lower Non-contact method of force motion. motion transformation Reverse The actuator loads a Better coupling to Fabrication complexity IJ05, IJ11 spring spring. When the actuator the ink High stress in the spring is turned off, the spring releases. This can reverse the force/distance curve of the actuator to make it compatible with the force/time requirements of the drop ejection. Coiled A bend actuator is coiled Increases travel Generally restricted to IJ17, IJ21, actuator to provide greater travel Reduces chip area planar implementations due IJ34, IJ35 in a reduced chip area. Planar to extreme fabrication implementations are difficulty in other relatively easy to orientations. fabricate. Flexure bend A bend actuator has a small Simple means of Care must be taken not to IJ10, IJ19, IJ33 actuator region near the fixture increasing travel of exceed the elastic limit in point, which flexes much a bend actuator the flexure area more readily than the Stress distribution is very remainder of the actuator. uneven The actuator flexing is Difficult to accurately model effectively converted from with finite element analysis an even coiling to an angular bend, resulting in greater travel of the actuator tip. Gears Gears can be used to Low force, low travel Moving parts are required IJ13 increase travel at the actuators can be Several actuator cycles are expense of duration. used required Circular gears, rack and Can be fabricated More complex drive pinion, ratchets, and other using standard electronics gearing methods can be surface MEMS Complex construction used. processes Friction, friction, and wear are possible Catch The actuator controls a Very low actuator Complex construction IJ10 small catch. The catch energy Requires external force either enables or disables Very small actuator Unsuitable for pigmented inks movement of an ink pusher size that is controlled in a bulk manner. Buckle plate A buckle plate can be used Very fast movement Must stay within elastic S. Hirata et al, to change a slow actuator achievable limits of the materials for “An Ink-jet into a fast motion. It can long device life Head . . . ”, Proc. also convert a high force, High stresses involved IEEE MEMS, low travel actuator into a Generally high power Febraury 1996, high travel, medium force requirement pp 418-423 motion. IJ18, IJ27 Tapered A tapered magnetic pole can Linearizes the Complex construction IJ14 magnetic pole increase travel at the magnetic expense of force. force/distance curve Lever A lever and fulcrum is used Matches low travel High stress around the IJ32, IJ36, IJ37 to transform a motion with actuator with higher fulcrum small travel and high force travel requirements into a motion with longer Fulcrum area has no travel and lower force. The linear movement, and lever can also reverse the can be used for a direction of travel. fluid seal Rotary The actuator is connected High mechanical Complex construction IJ28 impeller to a rotary impeller. A advantage Unsuitable for pigmented inks small angular deflection of The ratio of force to the actuator results in a travel of the rotation of the impeller actuator can be vanes, which push the ink matched to the against stationary vanes nozzle requirements and out of the nozzle. by varying the number of impeller vanes Acoustic lens A refractive or diffractive No moving parts Large area required 1993 Hadimioglu (e.g. zone plate) acoustic Only relevant for acoustic et al, EUP lens is used to concentrate ink jets 550, 192 sound waves. 1993 Elrod et al, EUP 572,220 Sharp A sharp point is used to Simple construction Difficult to fabricate using Tone-jet conductive concentrate an standard VLSI processes for point electrostatic field. a surface ejecting ink-jet Only relevant for electrostatic ink jets

[0078] ACTUATOR MOTION Actuator motion Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Volume The volume of the actuator Simple construction High energy is typically Hewlett-Packard expansion changes, pushing the ink in in the case of required to achieve volume Thermal Inkjet all directions. thermal ink jet expansion. This leads to Canon Bubblejet thermal stress, cavitation, and kogation in thermal ink jet implementations Linear, The actuator moves in a Efficient coupling to High fabrication complexity IJ01, IJ02, normal to direction normal to the ink drops ejected may be required to achieve IJ04, IJ07 chip surface print head surface. The normal to the perpendicular motion IJ11, IJ14 nozzle is typically in the surface line of movement. Linear, The actuator moves parallel Suitable for planar Fabrication complexity IJ12, IJ13, parallel to to the print head surface. fabrication Friction IJ15, IJ33, chip surface Drop ejection may still be Stiction IJ34, IJ35, IJ36 normal to the surface. Membrane push An actuator with a high The effective area of Fabrication complexity 1982 Howkins U.S. Pat. force but small area is the actuator becomes Actuator size No. 4,459,601 used to push a stiff the membrane area Difficulty of integration in membrane that is in contact a VLSI process with the ink. Rotary The actuator causes the Rotary levers may be Device complexity IJ05, IJ08, rotation of some element, used to increase May have friction at a pivot IJ13, IJ28 such a grill or impeller travel point Small chip area requirements Bend The actuator bends when A very small change Requires the actuator to be 1970 Kyser et al energized. This may be due in dimensions can be made from at least two U.S. Pat. No. 3,946,398 to differential thermal converted to a large distinct layers, or to have 1973 Stemme U.S. Pat. expansion, piezoelectric motion. a thermal difference across No. 3,747,120 expansion, the actuator IJ03, IJ09, magnetostriction, or other IJ10, IJ19 form of relative IJ23, IJ24, dimensional change. IJ25, IJ29 IJ30, IJ31, IJ33, IJ34 IJ35 Swivel The actuator swivels around Allows operation Inefficient coupling to the IJ06 a central pivot. This where the net linear ink motion motion is suitable where force on the paddle there are opposite forces is zero applied to opposite sides Small chip area of the paddle, e.g. Lorenz requirements force. Straighten The actuator is normally Can be used with Requires careful balance of IJ26, IJ32 bent, and straightens when shape memory alloys stresses to ensure that the energized. where the austenic quiescent bend is accurate phase is planar Double bend The actuator bends in one One actuator can be Difficult to make the drops IJ36, IJ37, IJ38 direction when one element used to power two ejected by both bend is energized, and bends the nozzles. directions identical. other way when another Reduced chip size. A small efficiency loss element is energized. Not sensitive to compared to equivalent ambient temperature single bend actuators. Shear Energizing the actuator Can increase the Not readily applicable to 1985 Fishbeck causes a shear motion in effective travel of other actuator mechanisms U.S. Pat. No. 4,584,590 the actuator material. piezoelectric actuators Radial The actuator squeezes an Relatively easy to High force required 1970 Zoltan U.S. Pat. constriction ink reservoir, forcing ink fabricate single Inefficient No. 3,683,212 from a constricted nozzle. nozzles from glass Difficult to integrate with tubing as VLSI processes macroscopic structures Coil/uncoil A coiled actuator uncoils Easy to fabricate as Difficult to fabricate for IJ17, IJ21, or coils more tightly. The a planar VLSI non-planar devices IJ34, IJ35 motion of the free end of process Poor out-of-plane stiffness the actuator ejects the Small area required, ink. therefore low cost Bow The actuator bows (or Can increase the Maximum travel is constrained IJ16, IJ18, IJ27 buckles) in the middle when speed of travel High force required energized. Mechanically rigid Push-Pull Two actuators control a The structure is Not readily suitable for IJ18 shutter. One actuator pulls pinned at both ends, inkjets which directly push the shutter, and the other so has a high out- the ink pushes it. of-plane rigidity Curl inwards A set of actuators curl Good fluid flow to Design complexity IJ20, IJ42 inwards to reduce the the region behind volume of ink that they the actuator enclose. increases efficiency Curl outwards A set of actuators curl Relatively simple Relatively large chip area IJ43 outwards, pressurizing ink construction in a chamber surrounding the actuators, and expelling ink from a nozzle in the chamber. Iris Multiple vanes enclose a High efficiency High fabrication complexity IJ22 volume of ink. These Small chip area Not suitable for pigmented simultaneously rotate, inks reducing the volume between the vanes. Acoustic The actuator vibrates at a The actuator can be Large area required for 1993 Hadimioglu vibration high frequency. physically distant efficient operation at et al, EUP from the ink useful frequencies 550,192 Acoustic coupling and 1993 Elrod et crosstalk al, EUP 572,220 Complex drive circuitry Poor control of drop volume and position None In various ink jet designs No moving parts Various other tradeoffs are Silverbrook, EP the actuator does not move. required to eliminate moving 0771 658 A2 and parts related patent applications Tone-jet

[0079] NOZZLE REFILL METHOD Nozzle refill method Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Surface After the actuator is Fabrication Low speed Thermal inkjet tension energized, it typically simplicity Surface tension force Piezoelectric returns rapidly to its Operational relatively small compared to inkjet normal position. This rapid simplicity actuator force IJ01-IJ07, return sucks in air through Long refill time usually IJ10-IJ14 the nozzle opening. The ink dominates the total IJ16, IJ20, surface tension at the repetition rate IJ22-IJ45 nozzle then exerts a small force restoring the meniscus to a minimum area. Shuttered Ink to the nozzle chamber High speed Requires common ink pressure IJ08, 1J13, oscillating is provided at a pressure Low actuator energy, oscillator IJ15, 1J17 ink pressure that oscillates at twice as the actuator need May not be suitable for IJ18, IJ19, IJ21 the drop ejection only open or close pigmented inks frequency. When a drop is the shutter, instead to be ejected, the shutter of ejecting the ink is opened for 3 half drop cycles: drop ejection, actuator return, and refill. Refill After the main actuator has High speed, as the Requires two independent IJ09 actuator ejected a drop a second nozzle is actively actuators per nozzle (refill) actuator is refilled energized. The refill actuator pushes ink into the nozzle chamber. The refill actuator returns slowly, to prevent its return from emptying the chamber again. Positive ink The ink is held a slight High refill rate, Surface spill must be Silverbrook, EP pressure positive pressure. After therefore a high prevented 0771 658 A2 and the ink drop is ejected, drop repetition rate Highly hydrophobic print head related patent the nozzle chamber fills is possible surfaces are required applications quickly as surface tension Alternative for: and ink pressure both IJ01-IJ07, operate to refill the IJ10-IJ14 nozzle. IJ16, IJ20, IJ22-IJ45

[0080] METHOD OF RESTRICTING BACK-FLOW THROUGH INLET Inlet back- flow restriction method Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Long inlet The ink inlet channel to Design simplicity Restricts refill rate Thermal inkjet channel the nozzle chamber is made Operational May result in a relatively Piezoelectric long and relatively narrow, simplicity large chip area inkjet relying on viscous drag to Reduces crosstalk Only partially effective IJ42, IJ43 reduce inlet back-flow. Positive ink The ink is under a positive Drop selection and Requires a method (such as a Silverbrook, EP pressure pressure, so that in the separation forces nozzle rim or effective 0771 658 A2 and quiescent state some of the can be reduced hydrophobizing, or both) to related patent ink drop already protrudes Fast refill time prevent flooding of the applications from the nozzle. ejection surface of the Possible This reduces the pressure print head. operation of in the nozzle chamber which the following: is required to eject a IJ01-IJ07, certain volume of ink. The IJ09-IJ12 reduction in chamber IJ14, IJ16, pressure results in a IJ20, IJ22, reduction in ink pushed out IJ23-IJ34, through the inlet. IJ36-IJ41 IJ44 Baffle One or more baffles are The refill rate is Design complexity HP Thermal Ink placed in the inlet ink not as restricted as May increase fabrication Jet flow. When the actuator is the long inlet complexity (e.g. Tektronix Tektronix energized, the rapid ink method. hot melt Piezoelectric print piezoelectric movement creates eddies Reduces crosstalk heads). ink jet which restrict the flow through the inlet. The slower refill process is unrestricted, and does not result in eddies. Flexible flap In this method recently Significantly reduces Not applicable to most inkjet Canon restricts disclosed by Canon, the back-flow for edge- configurations inlet expanding actuator (bubble) shooter thermal ink Increased fabrication pushes on a flexible flap jet devices complexity that restricts the inlet. Inelastic deformation of polymer flap results in creep over extended use Inlet filter A filter is located between Additional advantage Restricts refill rate IJ04, IJ12, the ink inlet and the of ink filtration May result in complex IJ24, IJ27 nozzle chamber. The filter Ink filter may be construction IJ29, IJ30 has a multitude of small fabricated with no holes or slots, restricting additional process ink flow. The filter also steps removes particles which may block the nozzle. Small inlet The ink inlet channel to Design simplicity Restricts refill rate IJ02, IJ37, IJ44 compared to the nozzle chamber has a May result in a relatively nozzle substantially smaller cross large chip area section than that of the Only partially effective nozzle, resulting in easier ink egress out of the nozzle than out of the inlet. Inlet shutter A secondary actuator Increases speed of Requires separate refill IJ09 controls the position of a the ink-jet print actuator and drive circuit shutter, closing off the head operation ink inlet when the main actuator is energized. The inlet is The method avoids the Back-flow problem is Requires careful design to IJ01, IJ03, located problem of inlet back-flow eliminated minimize the negative 1J05, 1J06 behind the by arranging the ink- pressure behind the paddle IJ07, IJ10, ink-pushing pushing surface of the IJ11, IJ14 surface actuator between the inlet IJ16, IJ22, and the nozzle. IJ23, IJ25 IJ28, IJ31, IJ32, IJ33 IJ34, IJ35, IJ36, IJ39 IJ40, IJ41 Part of the The actuator and a wall of Significant Small increase in fabrication IJ07, IJ20, actuator the ink chamber are reductions in back- complexity IJ26, IJ38 moves to shut arranged so that the motion flow can be achieved off the inlet of the actuator closes off Compact designs the inlet. possible Nozzle In some configurations of Ink back-flow problem None related to ink back-flow Silverbrook, EP actuator does ink jet, there is no is eliminated on actuation 0771 658 A2 and not result in expansion or movement of an related patent ink back-flow actuator which may cause applications ink back-flow through the Valve-jet inlet. Tone-jet IJ08, IJ13, IJ15, IJ17 IJ18, IJ19, IJ21

[0081] NOZZLE CLEARING METHOD Nozzle Clearing method Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Normal nozzle All of the nozzles are No added complexity May not be sufficient to Most ink jet firing fired periodically, before on the print head displace dried ink systems the ink has a chance to IJ01-IJ07, dry. When not in use the IJ09-IJ12 nozzles are sealed (capped) IJ14, IJ16, against air. IJ20, IJ22 The nozzle firing is IJ23-IJ34, usually performed during a IJ36-IJ45 special clearing cycle, after first moving the print head to a cleaning station. Extra power In systems which heat the Can be highly Requires higher drive voltage Silverbrook, EP to ink heater ink, but do not boil it effective if the for clearing 0771 658 A2 and under normal situations, heater is adjacent May require larger drive related patent nozzle clearing can be to the nozzle transistors applications achieved by over-powering the heater and boiling ink at the nozzle. Rapid The actuator is fired in Does not require Effectiveness depends May be used succession of rapid succession. In some extra drive circuits substantially upon the with: actuator configurations, this may on the print head configuration of the inkjet IJ01-IJ07, pulses cause heat build-up at the Can be readily nozzle IJ09-IJ11 nozzle which boils the ink, controlled and IJ14, IJ16, clearing the nozzle. In initiated by digital IJ20, IJ22 other situations, it may logic IJ23-IJ25, cause sufficient vibrations IJ27-IJ34 to dislodge clogged IJ36-IJ45 nozzles. Extra power Where an actuator is not A simple solution Not suitable where there is a May be used to ink normally driven to the where applicable hard limit to actuator with: pushing limit of its motion, nozzle movement IJ03, IJ09, actuator clearing may be assisted by IJ16, IJ20 providing an enhanced drive IJ23, IJ24, signal to the actuator. IJ25, IJ27 IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, IJ32 IJ39, IJ40, IJ41, IJ42 IJ43, IJ44, IJ45 Acoustic An ultrasonic wave is A high nozzle High implementation cost if IJ08, IJ13, resonance applied to the ink chamber. clearing capability system does not already IJ15, IJ17 This wave is of an can be achieved include an acoustic actuator IJ18, IJ19, IJ21 appropriate amplitude and May be implemented at frequency to cause very low cost in sufficient force at the systems which nozzle to clear blockages. already include This is easiest to achieve acoustic actuators if the ultrasonic wave is at a resonant frequency of the ink cavity. Nozzle A microfabricated plate is Can clear severely Accurate mechanical alignment Silverbrook, EP clearing pushed against the nozzles. clogged nozzles is required 0771 658 A2 and plate The plate has a post for Moving parts are required related patent every nozzle. The array of There is risk of damage to applications posts the nozzles Accurate fabrication is required Ink pressure The pressure of the ink is May be effective Requires pressure pump or May be used with pulse temporarily increased so where other methods other pressure actuator all IJ series that ink streams from all cannot be used Expensive ink jets of the nozzles. This may be Wasteful of ink used in conjunction with actuator energizing. Print head A flexible ‘blade’ is wiped Effective for planar Difficult to use if print Many ink jet wiper across the print head print head surfaces head surface is non-planar systems surface. The blade is Low cost or very fragile usually fabricated from a Requires mechanical parts flexible polymer, e.g. Blade can wear out in high rubber or synthetic volume print systems elastomer. Separate ink A separate heater is Can be effective Fabrication complexity Can be used with boiling provided at the nozzle where other nozzle many IJ series heater although the normal drop e- clearing methods ink jets ection mechanism does not cannot be used require it. The heaters do Can be implemented at not require individual no additional cost drive circuits, as many in some inkjet nozzles can be cleared configurations simultaneously, and no imaging is required.

[0082] NOZZLE PLATE CONSTRUCTION Nozzle plate construction Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Electroformed A nozzle plate is Fabrication High temperatures and Hewlett Packard nickel separately fabricated from simplicity pressures are required to Thermal Inkjet electroformed nickel, and bond nozzle plate bonded to the print head Minimum thickness constraints chip. Differential thermal expansion Laser ablated Individual nozzle holes are No masks required Each hole must be Canon Bubblejet or drilled ablated by an intense UV Can be quite fast individually formed 1988 Sercel et polymer laser in a nozzle plate, Some control over Special equipment required al., SPIE, Vol. which is typically a nozzle profile is Slow where there are many 998 Excimer polymer such as polyimide possible thousands of nozzles per Beam or polysulphone Equipment required is print head Applications, relatively low cost May produce thin burrs at pp. 76-83 exit holes 1993 Watanabe et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,208,604 Silicon A separate nozzle plate is High accuracy is Two part construction K. Bean, IEEE micro- micromachined from single attainable High cost Transactions on machined crystal silicon, and bonded Requires precision alignment Electron to the print head wafer. Nozzles may be clogged by Devices, Vol. adhesive ED-25, No. 10, 1978, pp 1185-1195 Xerox 1990 Hawkins et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,181 Glass Fine glass capillaries are No expensive Very small nozzle sizes are 1970 Zoltan U.S. Pat. capillaries drawn from glass tubing. equipment required difficult to form No. 3,683,212 This method has been used Simple to make single Not suited for mass for making individual nozzles production nozzles, but is difficult to use for bulk manufacturing of print heads with thousands of nozzles. Monolithic, The nozzle plate is High accuracy (<1 μm) Requires sacrificial layer Silverbrook, EP surface deposited as a layer using Monolithic under the nozzle plate to 0771 658 A2 and micro- standard VLSI deposition Low cost form the nozzle chamber related patent machined techniques. Nozzles are Existing processes Surface may be fragile to the applications using VLSI etched in the nozzle plate can be used touch IJ01, IJ02, lithographic using VLSI lithography and IJ04, IJ11 processes etching. IJ12, IJ17, IJ18, IJ20 IJ22, IJ24, IJ27, IJ28 IJ29, IJ30, IJ31, IJ32 IJ33, IJ34, IJ36, IJ37 IJ38, IJ39, IJ40, IJ41 IJ42, IJ43, IJ44 Monolithic, The nozzle plate is a High accuracy (<1 μm) Requires long etch times IJ03, IJ05, etched buried etch stop in the Monolithic Requires a support wafer IJ06, IJ07 through wafer. Nozzle chambers are Low cost IJ08, IJ09, substrate etched in the front of the No differential IJ10, IJ13 wafer, and the wafer is expansion IJ14, IJ15, thinned from the back side. IJ16, IJ19 Nozzles are then etched in IJ21, IJ23, the etch stop layer. IJ25, IJ26 No nozzle Various methods have been No nozzles to become Difficult to control drop Ricoh 1995 plate tried to eliminate the clogged position accurately Sekiya et al nozzles entirely, to Crosstalk problems U.S. Pat. No. 5,412,413 prevent nozzle clogging. 1993 Hadimioglu These include thermal et al EUP bubble mechanisms and 550,192 acoustic lens mechanisms 1993 Elrod et al EUP 572,220 Trough Each drop ejector has a Reduced manufacturing Drop firing direction is IJ35 trough through which a complexity sensitive to wicking. paddle moves. There is no Monolithic nozzle plate. Nozzle slit The elimination of nozzle No nozzles to become Difficult to control drop 1989 Saito et al instead of holes and replacement by a clogged position accurately U.S. Pat. No. 4,799,068 individual slit encompassing many Crosstalk problems nozzles actuator positions reduces nozzle clogging, but increases crosstalk due to ink surface waves

[0083] DROP EJECTION DIRECTION Ejection direction Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Edge Ink flow is along the Simple construction Nozzles limited to edge Canon Bubblejet (‘edge surface of the chip, and No silicon etching High resolution is difficult 1979 Endo et al shooter’) ink drops are ejected from required Fast color printing requires GB patent the chip edge. Good heat sinking via one print head per color 2,007,162 substrate Xerox heater-in- Mechanically strong pit 1990 Ease of chip handing Hawkins et al U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,181 Tone-jet Surface Ink flow is along the No bulk silicon Maximum ink flow is severely Hewlett-Packard (‘roof surface of the chip, and etching required restricted TIJ 1982 Vaught shooter’) ink drops are ejected from Silicon can make an et al U.S. Pat. No. the chip surface, normal to effective heat sink 4,490,728 the plane of the chip. Mechanical strength IJ02, IJ11, IJ12, IJ20 IJ22 Through chip, Ink flow is through the High ink flow Requires bulk silicon etching Silverbrook, EP forward chip, and ink drops are Suitable for 0771 658 A2 and (‘up ejected from the front pagewidth print related patent shooter’) surface of the chip. High nozzle packing applications density therefore IJ04, IJ17, low manufacturing IJ18, IJ24 cost IJ27-IJ45 Through chip, Ink flow is through the High ink flow Requires wafer thinning IJ01, IJ03, reverse chip, and ink drops are Suitable for Requires special handling IJ05, IJ06 (‘down ejected from the rear pagewidth print during manufacture IJ07, IJ08, shooter’) surface of the chip. High nozzle packing IJ09, IJ10 density therefore IJ13, IJ14, low manufacturing IJ15, IJ16 cost IJ19, IJ21, IJ23, IJ25 IJ26 Through Ink flow is through the Suitable for Pagewidth print heads require Epson Stylus actuator actuator, which is not piezoelectric print several thousand connections Tektronix hot fabricated as part of the heads to drive circuits melt same substrate as the drive Cannot be manufactured in piezoelectric transistors. standard CMOS fabs ink jets Complex assembly required

[0084] INK TYPE Ink type Description Advantages Disadvantages Examples Aqueous, dye Water based ink which Environmentally Slow drying Most existing typically contains: water, friendly Corrosive inkjets dye, surfactant, humectant, No odor Bleeds on paper All IJ series and biocide. May strikethrough ink jets Modern ink dyes have high Cockles paper Silverbrook, EP water-fastness, light 0771 658 A2 and fastness related patent applications Aqueous, Water based ink which Environmentally Slow drying IJ02, IJ04, pigment typically contains: water, friendly Corrosive IJ21, IJ26 pigment, surfactant, No odor Pigment may clog nozzles IJ27, IJ30 humectant, and biocide. Reduced bleed Pigment may clog actuator Silverbrook, EP Pigments have an advantage Reduced wicking mechanisms 0771 658 A2 and in reduced bleed, wicking Reduced strikethrough Cockles paper related patent and strikethrough. applications Piezoelectric ink-jets Thermal ink jets (with significant restrictions) Methyl Ethyl MEK is a highly volatile Very fast drying Odorous All IJ series Ketone (MEK) solvent used for industrial Prints on various Flammable ink jets printing on difficult substrates such as surfaces such as aluminum metals and plastics cans. Alcohol Alcohol based inks can be Fast drying Slight odor All IJ series (ethanol, 2- used where the printer must Operates at sub- Flammable ink jets butanol, and operate at temperatures freezing others) below the freezing point of temperatures water. An example of this Reduced paper cockle is in-camera consumer Low cost photographic printing. Phase change The ink is solid at room No drying time-ink High viscosity Tektronix hot (hot melt) temperature, and is melted instantly freezes on Printed ink typically has a melt in the print head before the print medium ‘waxy’ feel piezoelectric jetting. Hot melt inks are Almost any print Printed pages may ‘block’ ink jets usually wax based, with a medium can be used Ink temperature may be above 1989 Nowak U.S. Pat. No. melting point around 80° C. No paper cockle the curie point of permanent 4,820,346 After jetting the ink occurs magnets All IJ series freezes almost instantly No wicking occurs Ink heaters consume power ink jets upon contacting the print No bleed occurs Long warm-up time medium or a transfer No strikethrough roller. occurs Oil Oil based inks are High solubility High viscosity: this is a All IJ series extensively used in offset medium for some dyes significant limitation for ink jets printing. They have Does not cockle paper use in inkjets, which advantages in improved Does not wick through usually require a low characteristics on paper paper viscosity. Some short chain (especially no wicking or and multi-branched oils have cockle). Oil soluble dies a sufficiently low and pigments are required. viscosity. Slow drying Microemulsion A microemulsion is a Stops ink bleed Viscosity higher than water All IJ series stable, self forming High dye solubility Cost is slightly higher than ink jets emulsion of oil, water, and Water, oil, and water based ink surfactant. The amphiphilic soluble High surfactant concentration characteristic drop size is dies can be used required (around 5%) less than 100 nm, and is Can stabilize pigment determined by the preferred suspensions curvature of the surfactant.

Ink Jet Printing

[0085] A large number of new forms of ink jet printers have been developed to facilitate alternative ink jet technologies for the image processing and data distribution system. Various combinations of ink jet devices can be included in printer devices incorporated as part of the present invention. Australian Provisional Patent Applications relating to these ink jets which are specifically incorporated by cross reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience. US Patent/ Australian Patent Provisional Application Number Filing Date Title and Filing Date PO8066 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,227,652 Apparatus (IJ01) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8072 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,213,588 Apparatus (IJ02) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8040 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,213,589 Apparatus (IJ03) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8071 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,231,163 Apparatus (IJ04) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8047 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,247,795 Apparatus (IJ05) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8035 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,394,581 Apparatus (IJ06) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8044 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,244,691 Apparatus (IJ07) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8063 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,257,704 Apparatus (IJ08) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8057 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,416,168 Apparatus (IJ09) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8056 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,220,694 Apparatus (IJ10) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8069 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,257,705 Apparatus (IJ11) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8049 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,247,794 Apparatus (IJ12) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8036 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,234,610 Apparatus (IJ13) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8048 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,247,793 Apparatus (IJ14) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8070 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,264,306 Apparatus (IJ15) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8067 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,241,342 Apparatus (IJ16) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8001 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,247,792 Apparatus (IJ17) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8038 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,264,307 Apparatus (IJ18) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8033 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,254,220 Apparatus (IJ19) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8002 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,234,611 Apparatus (IJ20) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8068 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,302,528 Apparatus (IJ21) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8062 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,283,582 Apparatus (IJ22) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8034 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,239,821 Apparatus (IJ23) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8039 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,338,547 Apparatus (IJ24) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8041 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,247,796 Apparatus (IJ25) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8004 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 09/113,122 Apparatus (IJ26) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8037 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,390,603 Apparatus (IJ27) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8043 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,362,843 Apparatus (IJ28) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8042 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,293,653 Apparatus (IJ29) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8064 15-Jul-97 Image Creation Method and 6,312,107 Apparatus (IJ30) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9389 23-Sep-97 Image Creation Method and 6,227,653 Apparatus (IJ31) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9391 23-Sep-97 Image Creation Method and 6,234,609 Apparatus (IJ32) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0888 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and 6,238,040 Apparatus (IJ33) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0891 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and 6,188,415 Apparatus (IJ34) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0890 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and 6,227,654 Apparatus (IJ35) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0873 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and 6,209,989 Apparatus (IJ36) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0993 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and 6,247,791 Apparatus (IJ37) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0890 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and 6,336,710 Apparatus (IJ38) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP1398 19-Jan-98 Image Creation Method and 6,217,153 Apparatus (IJ39) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP2592 25-Mar-98 Image Creation Method and 6,416,167 Apparatus (IJ40) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP2593 25-Mar-98 Image Creation Method and 6,243,113 Apparatus (IJ41) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP3991 9-Jun-98 Image Creation Method and 6,283,581 Apparatus (IJ42) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP3987 9-Jun-98 Image Creation Method and 6,247,790 Apparatus (IJ43) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP3985 9-Jun-98 Image Creation Method and 6,260,953 Apparatus (IJ44) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP3983 9-Jun-98 Image Creation Method and 6,267,469 Apparatus (IJ45) (Jul. 10, 1998)

Ink Jet Manufacturing

[0086] Further, the present application may utilize advanced semiconductor fabrication techniques in the construction of large arrays of ink jet printers. Suitable manufacturing techniques are described in the following Australian provisional patent specifications incorporated here by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience. Australian US Patent/Patent Provisional Filing Application and Filing Number Date Title Date PO7935 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,224,780 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM01) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7936 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,235,212 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM02) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7937 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,280,643 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM03) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8061 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,284,147 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM04) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8054 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,214,244 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM05) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8065 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,071,750 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM06) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8055 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,267,905 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM07) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8053 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,251,298 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM08) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8078 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,258,285 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM09) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7933 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,225,138 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM10) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7950 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,241,904 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM11) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7949 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,299,786 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM12) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8060 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 09/113,124 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM13) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8059 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,231,773 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM14) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8073 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,190,931 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM15) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8076 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,248,249 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM16) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8075 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,290,862 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM17) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8079 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,241,906 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM18) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8050 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 09/113,116 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM19) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8052 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,241,905 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM20) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7948 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,451,216 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM21) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7951 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,231,772 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM22) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8074 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,274,056 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM23) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7941 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,290,861 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM24) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8077 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,248,248 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM25) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8058 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,306,671 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM26) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8051 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,331,258 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM27) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8045 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,110,754 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM28) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7952 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,294,101 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM29) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8046 15-Jul- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,416,679 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM30) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8503 11-Aug- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,264,849 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM30a) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9390 23-Sep- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,254,793 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM31) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9392 23-Sep- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,235,211 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM32) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0889 12-Dec- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,235,211 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM35) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0887 12-Dec- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,264,850 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM36) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0882 12-Dec- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,258,284 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM37) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0874 12-Dec- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,258,284 97 Creation Apparatus (IJM38) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP1396 19-Jan- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,228,668 98 Creation Apparatus (IJM39) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP2591 25-Mar- A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,180,427 98 Creation Apparatus (IJM41) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP3989 9-Jun-98 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,171,875 Creation Apparatus (IJM40) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP3990 9-Jun-98 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,267,904 Creation Apparatus (IJM42) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP3986 9-Jun-98 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,245,247 Creation Apparatus (IJM43) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP3984 9-Jun-98 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,245,247 Creation Apparatus (IJM44) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP3982 9-Jun-98 A Method of Manufacture of an Image 6,231,148 Creation Apparatus (IJM45) (Jul. 10, 1998)

Fluid Supply

[0087] Further, the present application may utilize an ink delivery system to the ink jet head. Delivery systems relating to the supply of ink to a series of ink jet nozzles are described in the following Australian provisional patent specifications, the disclosure of which are hereby incorporated by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience. US Patent/ Patent Australian Application Provisional Filing and Number Date Title Filing Date PO8003 15-Jul-97 Supply Method and Apparatus 6,350,023 (F1) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8005 15-Jul-97 Supply Method and Apparatus 6,318,849 (F2) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9404 23-Sep-97 A Device and Method (F3) 09/113,101 (Jul. 10, 1998)

MEMS Technology

[0088] Further, the present application may utilize advanced semiconductor microelectromechanical techniques in the construction of large arrays of ink jet printers. Suitable microelectromechanical techniques are described in the following Australian provisional patent specifications incorporated here by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience. US Patent/ Australian Patent Provisional Application and Number Filing Date Title Filing Date PO7943 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS01) PO8006 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS02) 6,087,638 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8007 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS03) 09/113,093 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8008 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS04) 6,340,222 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8010 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS05) 6,041,600 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8011 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS06) 6,299,300 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7947 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS07) 6,067,797 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7945 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS08) 09/113,081 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7944 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS09) 6,286,935 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7946 15-Jul-97 A device (MEMS10) 6,044,646 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9393 23-Sep-97 A Device and Method 09/113,065 (MEMS11) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0875 12-Dec-97 A Device (MEMS12) 09/113,078 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0894 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method 09/113,075 (MEMS13) (Jul. 10, 1998)

IR Technologies

[0089] Further, the present application may include the utilization of a disposable camera system such as those described in the following Australian provisional patent specifications incorporated here by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience. Australian US Patent/Patent Provisional Application and Filing Number Filing Date Title Date PP0895 12-Dec-97 An Image Creation Method and Apparatus 6,231,148 (IR01) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0870 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR02) 09/113,106 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0869 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR04) 6,293,658 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0887 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and 09/113,104 Apparatus (IR05) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0885 12-Dec-97 An Image Production System 6,238,033 (IR06) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0884 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and 6,312,070 Apparatus (IR10) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0886 12-Dec-97 Image Creation Method and 6,238,111 Apparatus (IR12) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0871 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR13) 09/113,086 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0876 12-Dec-97 An Image Processing Method 09/113,094 and Apparatus (IR14) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0877 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR16) 6,378,970 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0878 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR17) 6,196,739 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0879 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR18) 09/112,774 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0883 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR19) 6,270,182 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0880 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR20) 6,152,619 (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0881 12-Dec-97 A Device and Method (IR21) 09/113,092 (Jul. 10, 1998)

DotCard Technologies

[0090] Further, the present application may include the utilization of a data distribution system such as that described in the following Australian provisional patent specifications incorporated here by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience. US Patent/ Patent Australian Application Provisional Filing and Number Date Title Filing Date PP2370 16-Mar-98 Data Processing Method and 09/112,781 Apparatus (Dot01) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP2371 16-Mar-98 Data Processing Method and 09/113,052 Apparatus (Dot02) (Jul. 10, 1998)

Artcam Technologies

[0091] Further, the present application may include the utilization of camera and data processing techniques such as an Artcam type device as described in the following Australian provisional patent specifications incorporated here by cross-reference. The serial numbers of respective corresponding US patent applications are also provided for the sake of convenience. US Patent/ Patent Australian Application Provisional Filing and Number Date Title Filing Date PO7991 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/113,060 Apparatus (ART01) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7988 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 6,476,863 Apparatus (ART02) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7993 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/113,073 Apparatus (ART03) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9395 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and 6,322,181 Apparatus (ART04) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8017 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/112,747 Apparatus (ART06) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8014 15-Jul-97 Media Device (ART07) 6,227,648 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8025 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/112,750 Apparatus (ART08) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8032 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/112,746 Apparatus (ART09) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7999 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/112,743 Apparatus (ART10) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7998 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/112,742 Apparatus (ART11) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8031 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/112,741 Apparatus (ART12) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8030 15-Jul-97 Media Device (ART13) 6,196,541 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7997 15-Jul-97 Media Device (ART15) 6,195,150 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7979 15-Jul-97 Media Device (ART16) 6,362,868 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8015 15-Jul-97 Media Device (ART17) 09/112,738 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7978 15-Jul-97 Media Device (ART18) 09/113,067 (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7982 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 6,431,669 Apparatus (ART19) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7989 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 6,362,869 Apparatus (ART20) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8019 15-Jul-97 Media Processing Method and 6,472,052 Apparatus (ART21) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7980 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 6,356,715 Apparatus (ART22) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8018 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/112,777 Apparatus (ART24) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7938 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/113,224 Apparatus (ART25) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8016 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 6,366,693 Apparatus (ART26) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8024 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 6,329,990 Apparatus (ART27) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7940 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 09/113,072 Apparatus (ART28) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7939 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 09/112,785 Apparatus (ART29) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8501 11-Aug-97 Image Processing Method and 6,137,500 Apparatus (ART30) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8500 11-Aug-97 Image Processing Method and 09/112,796 Apparatus (ART31) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7987 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 09/113,071 Apparatus (ART32) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8022 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 6,398,328 Apparatus (ART33) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8497 11-Aug-97 Image Processing Method and 09/113,090 Apparatus (ART34) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8020 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 6,431,704 Apparatus (ART38) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8023 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 09/113,222 Apparatus (ART39) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8504 11-Aug-97 Image Processing Method and 09/112,786 Apparatus (ART42) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8000 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 6,415,054 Apparatus (ART43) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7977 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 09/112,782 Apparatus (ART44) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7934 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 09/113,056 Apparatus (ART45) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7990 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 09/113,059 Apparatus (ART46) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8499 11-Aug-97 Image Processing Method and 6,486,886 Apparatus (ART47) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8502 11-Aug-97 Image Processing Method and 6,381,361 Apparatus (ART48) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7981 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 6,317,192 Apparatus (ART50) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7986 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 09/113,057 Apparatus (ART51) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO7983 15-Jul-97 Data Processing Method and 09/113,054 Apparatus (ART52) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8026 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/112,752 Apparatus (ART53) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8027 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/112,759 Apparatus (ART54) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO8028 15-Jul-97 Image Processing Method and 09/112,757 Apparatus (ART56) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9394 23-Sep-97 Image Processing Method and 6,357,135 Apparatus (ART57) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9396 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and 09/113,107 Apparatus (ART58) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9397 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and 6,271,931 Apparatus (ART59) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9398 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and 6,353,772 Apparatus (ART60) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9399 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and 6,106,147 Apparatus (ART61) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9400 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and 09/112,790 Apparatus (ART62) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9401 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and 6,304,291 Apparatus (ART63) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9402 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and 09/112,788 Apparatus (ART64) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9403 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and 6,305,770 Apparatus (ART65) (Jul. 10, 1998) PO9405 23-Sep-97 Data Processing Method and 6,289,262 Apparatus (ART66) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP0959 16-Dec-97 A Data Processing Method 6,315,200 and Apparatus (ART68) (Jul. 10, 1998) PP1397 19-Jan-98 A Media Device (ART69) 6,217,165 (Jul. 10, 1998) 

I claim:
 1. A digital camera comprising: an image sensor for capturing an image; an image processor for processing image data from the image sensor and transmitting processed data to a printhead; and, an effects interface for user input of one or more predetermined image manipulations; such that, the processed data transmitted to the printhead incorporate the selected image manipulations.
 2. A digital camera according to claim 1 wherein data relating to the image manipulations are stored on separate portable memory devices for connection to the effects interface.
 3. A digital camera according to claim 1 wherein the image manipulations comprise image rotations, borders, text or clip art.
 4. A digital camera according to claim 1 further adapted for use with a media cartridge comprising a supply of media substrate on which images can be printed, and an information store with information relating to the media substrate, wherein the camera further comprises a cartridge interface for accessing the information such that the image processor can utilise the information relating to the media substrate.
 5. A digital camera according to claim 4 wherein the media substrate has postcard formatting printed on its reverse surface so that the camera can produce personalised postcards, and the information store has the dimensions of the postcard formatting to allow the image processor to align printed images with the postcard formatting.
 6. A digital camera according to claim 5 wherein the cartridge further comprises an ink supply for the printhead and the information store is an authentication chip that allows the image processor to confirm that the media substrate and the ink supply is suitable for use with the camera.
 7. A digital camera according to claim 1 wherein an image sensor further comprises a charge coupled device (CCD) for capturing the image data, and an auto exposure setting for adjusting the image data captured by the CCD in response to the lighting conditions at image capture; and, the image processor is adapted to use information from the auto exposure setting relating to the lighting conditions at image capture when processing the image data from the CCD.
 8. A digital camera according to claim 4 wherein the printhead is installed in the camera for receiving the media substrate and ink from the cartridge.
 9. A digital camera according to claim 5 wherein the image processor uses the information from the auto exposure setting to determine a re-mapping of colour data within the image data from the CCD such that the printhead prints an amended image that takes account of the light conditions at image capture.
 10. A digital camera according to claim 9 wherein the re-mapping of the colour data produces deeper and richer colours in the amended image when the light conditions at image capture are dim.
 11. A digital camera according to claim 9 wherein the re-mapping of the colour data produces brighter and more saturated colours in the amended image when the light conditions at image capture are bright.
 12. A digital camera according to claim 7 wherein the image processor uses the information from the auto exposure setting to add exposure specific graphics to the printed image. 